A Link Between Feeding and Feedback in FeLoBAL Quasars

Karen Leighly

The University of Oklahoma

Broad Absorption Line (BAL) quasars show undeniable evidence for outflows in their rest-UV spectra. Whether or not BAL outflows occur in all quasars is important for understanding the astrophysics of the outflows, as well as their possible role in galaxy evolution. We report the results of an analysis of 30 low-redshift (z < 1) iron low-ionization broad absorption line quasars (FeLoBALQs). A matched sample of 132 unabsorbed quasars was analyzed in parallel. We found that while unabsorbed quasars are characterized by a single-peaked distribution in accretion rate relative to Eddington, the FeLoBAL quasars split into two peaks: a high accretion rate branch and a low accretion rate branch. This result strongly suggests that FeLoBAL quasars are a special and distinct population, and it is possible that they are key signposts of galaxy evolution. I will show preliminary results from a complementary high-redshift sample of FeLoBALs, and I will discuss future plans and prospects for BAL studies.

Date:	Thursday, 18 April 2024
Time:	12:30
Where:	Université de Montréal
	Pavillon MIL, salle A-3521.1